Researchers assessed biobehavioral stress responses (anxiety, positive and negative affect, and salivary cortisol and C-reactive protein [CRP] levels) before and after the intervention of animal-assisted activities with 48 children hospitalized at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. The authors suggest that, with their holistic view of patients, nurses are well-positioned to recommend animal-assisted activities as a beneficial and safe experience for hospitalized children.

The work was supported by a Joe D. & Lee Jamail Distinguished Professorship in Nursing endowment formerly held by retired UTHealth School of Nursing professor Mara Baun, Ph.D., R.N.